The tidings of Christmas last one day; the spirit should be with us year-round

It is perhaps a sign of our troubled times and increasingly calamitous culture that Christmas, which many might describe as the most peaceful day of the year, has become embroiled in a so-called "war." As if there weren't enough to divide Americans.

It is tempting to adapt a famous phrase on a similar topic, and reply, "No, Virginia, there is no war on Christmas." What there is, is constant bickering among those of different political, cultural and ideological beliefs.

It is this focus on what separates, rather than what unites, that stands in the way of many an effort to do good. It must be discarded - not just once a year on the holiest of days, but all year and every day.

The teachings and examples of Christ, whose birth is celebrated today, require no less.

After all, the very sentiments of the season form the foundation of a better world. "Peace on Earth"; "good will toward men." These tidings express a global absolute, but they are likewise words to live by personally, locally, throughout a community.

Rochester cannot be truly at peace - not with dozens of its young people lost to gun-related violence each year, hundreds of its citizens homeless or hungry, thousands of its children unable to obtain an education that will lead to self-sustenance.

And where is the good will among, say, elected leaders? Too often, the process of serving the people is hijacked by those who are instead self-serving. The result, often, is gridlock, both nationally and locally.

So as the air fills today with the sound of hymns and carols, as gifts are exchanged and glasses raised, and as loved ones gather or connect from afar, the celebratory spirit should be not only relished but retained. A quiet commitment should be affirmed to embody the noble goals of the season year-round.

After all, the less fortunate among us require hot meals and shelter not only on Christmas, but all year long. Quality education, a safe environment, opportunity for betterment - while they might appear on few Christmas lists, they are desperately lacking in numerous pockets of our region. Many hands are needed to combat such inequities.

These are the real battles, and they cannot be lost. Rather than just defending the idea of Christmas, live out its ideals - charity, patience, thankfulness and, yes, peace on earth and good will toward men - today and every day.